Clint Small Middle School
Weekly Newsletter

Week of: April 20th 2026

Hello Smallville,

As we wrap up another busy and exciting week, I want to take a moment to celebrate and send out a huge congratulations to our Junior Vase winners, Finn Belshaw, Emily Carillo, Emiliano Cen, Violet Kaylor, and Evangelene Rygaard who brought home an impressive four Division IV medals. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, talent, and the way they represented Small.

Spring has certainly arrived on campus, and with it comes a bunch of energy as we head toward the end of the year. What I love about the spring semester is the opportunity to really dive into engaging projects, novel studies, and preparations for upcoming spring performances. It’s a fun time of year, and it’s been great to see our Cougars so involved and enthusiastic in their learning.

As a reminder, our final STAAR test will take place next week. This time of year also brings many opportunities to reflect on how far our Cougars have come it’s clear that their efforts and your support at home are making a difference. 

As always, please keep an eye out for upcoming events, including end-of-year celebrations and performances. There is much to look forward to as we head into the final stretch of the school year.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable weekend.

Stay Present,
Bedford

Please see the slide who about 8th grade trip requirements Click here

ATTENTION: Parents of students currently taking high school level classes,

Reminder, the attendance requirements for students enrolled in high school credit courses. In accordance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) and district policy, students must maintain a minimum attendance rate of 90% in each high school credit class in order to earn credit for the course.

Please note that students who fall below 90% attendance will not receive credit, regardless of their academic performance or grades. This requirement is mandated to ensure students receive the instructional time necessary for mastery of course content.

We encourage you to monitor your student’s attendance closely and reach out to us if you have questions or concerns. Our goal is to support every student in successfully earning their credits and progressing toward graduation.

Please contact your grade level counselor with any questions. 

6th Grade: zahra.asadi@austinisd.org

7th Grade: richard.gonzalez@austinisd.org

8th Grade: sierra.moran@austinisd.org

We will be hosting an athletics parent meeting on Thursday, April 30th from 5:30–6:30 PM in the gym. This meeting is for all incoming 7th and 8th grade students interested in participating in sports. We will cover important topics including physical requirements, Rank One registration, parent and athlete expectations, practice schedules, and overall program guidelines. Please enter through the back stairs by the track to access the gym.

In preparation for the upcoming athletic season, parents are encouraged to begin completing required physicals. Attached are three options for physical clinics, though you may also visit your family doctor. Please be sure to print and complete the required physical form. If you need assistance printing a copy, feel free to email me and I will provide one.

Once the physical form is completed, please wait until after May 15th to log into Rank One to upload your documents and complete all required forms.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at joe.l.moore@austinisd.org.

Free Physical Clinic for those students who do not have insurance or do not have access to a regular pediatrician or doctor.  If you have insurance and/or a regular doctor, please make arrangements to see your own doctor or attend one of the physical clinics being hosted by the local high schools that are included in this edition of the Cougar News.

If you are not able to print out the Free Physical Packet, please email me at 

joe.l.moore@austinisd.org 

I need the completed forms back by Monday, April 20th.

Please ensure a smooth start to the next school year by making sure your student has received their required immunizations!

All students entering 7th grade need records for the following vaccinations:

We currently have over 100 students whose records are not yet on file. To avoid delays with attendance when school starts, please submit a copy of these required immunization records to the school nurse as soon as possible.

Questions or Need Resources?

Our school nurse is here to help! Please reach out with any questions or if you need assistance finding resources for these immunizations.

Nurse: Erin Clifford, RN
Phone: 512-414-1543
Email: erin.clifford@austinisd.org

Aviso Importante sobre Vacunación para Estudiantes que Ingresarán a 7mo Grado

¡Asegure un comienzo sin problemas para el próximo año escolar asegurándose de que su estudiante haya recibido las vacunas requeridas!

Todos los estudiantes que ingresan a 7mo grado necesitan registros de las siguientes vacunas:

Actualmente, tenemos más de 100 estudiantes cuyos registros aún no están archivados. Para evitar retrasos en la asistencia cuando comience la escuela, envíe una copia de estos registros de vacunación requeridos a la enfermera de la escuela lo antes posible.

¿Preguntas o Necesita Recursos?

¡Nuestra enfermera escolar está aquí para ayudar! Comuníquese con nosotros si tiene alguna pregunta o si necesita ayuda para encontrar recursos para estas vacunas.

Enfermera: Erin Clifford, RN
Teléfono: 512-414-1543
Correo electrónico: erin.clifford@austinisd.org

We’re buzzing with excitement over here! 🎉 Our annual end-of-year FUNdraiser is shaping up to be better than ever, and we want YOU to be a part of it! 

Pre-order your Splashfest wristbands and tickets TODAY!

How can you get involved?

Thank you to everyone who has donated Raffle Items. We still need more! If you can help support our Raffle, Pleaes check out our Amazon wishlist.

🎁 Donate a raffle item! 🎁

Just like last year, instead of giving out prizes at each booth, we’re going all in with a RAFFLE! The kids will have a chance to win some super cool prizes (no more junky toys that end up in the trash 😅). It’s simple—just donate something off our Amazon wishlist and have it shipped directly to Small. Easy, breezy, and your donation will make a huge impact on making this event unforgettable!

If you have something else to donate—maybe gift cards, or something you know the kids will LOVE—or have a connection to someone who might be willing to set up an activity at Splashfest, please reach out to Jennifer.Rich@austinisd.org. Let’s make this the best Splashfest ever! 💦🎉

We are excited to announce that the “CSMS 8th Grade Career Expo” is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20th, from 2:00 to 3:50 PM. This event aims to inspire our students by showcasing a variety of careers and helping them see how they can apply their talents, passions, and interests to future professions.

******** Register here to be a presenter *********

To make this event a success, we need your help! We are looking for speakers to present their careers to small groups of students. If you're interested in participating as a speaker, please fill out the google form. 
We are interested in speakers in fields such as but not limited to:

How to Prepare for the Event:

Tips for Engaging with Students:

Encourage Participation: Invite students to share their thoughts or ask questions throughout your presentation.

Your participation can truly make a difference in shaping the future of our students. Together, we can ignite a spark of curiosity and ambition in our students, guiding them towards a bright and successful future. Your story could be the inspiration they need to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Join us in making a lasting impact!

******** Register here to be a presenter *********

If you have any questions please email Mr. Gonzalez at Richard.gonzalez@austinisd.org

Do you own a business? Know someone who does? Dive in and help us make a splash! 💦

We’re looking for Splashfest sponsors to help fund inflatables, activities, and other event costs for our end-of-year carnival.

When you sponsor Splashfest, you won’t just be helping us keep the fun afloat—you’ll also get your business promoted to our entire school community. It’s a win-win… or should we say a splash-splash!

The more successful Splashfest is, the more funding we can pour directly back into classrooms next year.

⏰ The sooner you jump in, the longer we can wave your business name around our community!

Click here sign up to Sponsor

So don’t stay on the sidelines—dip your toes in and sign up to sponsor today!

Let’s work together to make this year’s Splashfest the biggest splash yet!

If you have questions or connections, please reach out to Jennifer Rich at jennifer.rich@austinisd.org

Believe it or not, we are already planning for next year! Teachers, schedules, and class sizes all depend on one very important thing…

YOU registering your student in the Parent Portal.

Right now we are on a mission to reach 100% registration by May 31.

Why register now?

✔ Helps us plan classes and teachers

✔ Prevents last-minute summer stress

✔ Makes you our favorite kind of parent (the prepared kind)

💻 Log into the Parent Portal and register today.
It only takes a few minutes and helps us tremendously!

BONUS: We’ll be tracking which grade level gets to 100% first… bragging rights included.

If you have questions, please read the Registration FAQ's in the email sent by the distict on 2/13/26 or reach out to our registrair Erica.ruiz@austinisd.org or check out the Districts Family Manual:

Enrollment Family Support Manual

Manual de apoyo a las familias para la matriculación

🚨 This is not a drill, people… we WILL sell out! 🚨

Don’t miss your chance to grab a 2025–2026 yearbook!
Pre-order now for $40—after April, there are no guarantees.

Secure yours today:

2026 Small Josten's LInk

SHAKA SNO ATX SPIRIT NIGHT 4/23- New Date!

Our Spirit Night with Shaka Sno ATX has been rescheduled to April 23 due to a weather cancellation.  Come cheer on our Small MS track team on Thursday, April 23 while cooling off with some seriously delicious snow cones. Even better? It’s for a great cause—Shaka Sno ATX is giving back 20% of all sales to Small!

PTA Nominating & Election Timeline

3/25 – Publish notice of a General Membership Meeting to elect the PTA Nominating Committee

Week of 3/30 – General Membership Meeting: members vote to elect the Nominating Committee

3/30–4/14 – Nominating Committee meets to recruit and recommend a slate of officer candidates

4/15 – Nominating Committee’s recommended slate of officers is published to PTA members

4/22 – PTA General Membership Meeting: officer elections for 2026–2027 following Be Internet Awesome Event.

The Cougar Cage Needs You!

Volunteer shifts in the Cougar Cage are open through the end of the school year!  Check out the SIGN UP to see when you can help out.  Working in the Cougar Cage is a fun volunteer opportunity that brings in funds for our PTA and gives you a chance to interact with students during the school day.  We love our Cougar Cage volunteers!

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS – We Still Need a Few Key Roles!

Clint Small MS PTA is almost done filling next year’s leadership team — but we’re still looking for a few amazing volunteers!

We Need a Nominating Committee:
The PTA is forming this year’s Nominating Committee and we’re seeking three members and one alternate to help identify candidates for the 2026–2027 PTA leadership. This is a short‑term role that reviews nominations, may seek additional candidates, and recommends a slate of officers. PTA membership is required, but no experience necessary—training and support are provided.

We’re still looking for volunteers for these roles:

If you are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee, serving in a role next year, or nominating someone, please email president@clintsmallmspta.org.

Be Internet Awesome Family Night- April 22

Be Internet Awesome, sponsored by Google and YouTube, helps parents and caregivers support their middle schoolers in being smart, kind, and safe online. Families will “Meet LEO” (Learn and Explore Online) and discover helpful tools like SafeSearch and Family Link.

Plus: Enjoy giveaways and refreshments as part of this interactive session!

We hope you’ll join us for this valuable and enjoyable family event. And right after the program, our general meeting will take place — we’d love for anyone who can to stick around and join us.

Please RSVP here so we can plan materials and refreshments. Thank you again for your patience and enthusiasm—we can’t wait to see you on April 22!

Educational Travel Programs at Small

At Clint Small Middle School, we are proud to have multiple teachers who sponsor Educational Travel Programs each year. These programs are structured group trips for students, organized in partnership with professional travel providers. The providers take care of the big details—like flights, hotels, meals, guides, and safety—while our teachers lead the learning side of the experience.

What is an Educational Travel Program?
An Educational Travel Program is more than just a trip. It’s an opportunity for students to step outside the classroom and experience history, culture, and language firsthand. Whether exploring another U.S. city or traveling abroad, students gain independence, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world.

Why might families be interested?

• Students experience hands-on learning tied to classroom topics.

• Travel builds maturity, problem-solving, and independence.

• Professional travel companies provide safety, structure, and support 24/7.

• Payment plans and group arrangements make these experiences more accessible than traveling on your own.

👉 With multiple teachers sponsoring programs, families can choose from a variety of destinations and opportunities that best fit their student’s interests.

Here is a list of upcoming opportunities

Trips in 2026

• Costa Rica - Spring Break 2026

• Spain - Summer 2026

• Japan - Summer 2026

• Italy & Greece - Summer 2026

 Global Cougars Fly – Enrollment Now Open for 2027!

Enrollment is now open for three incredible Global Cougars Fly travel experiences in 2027! As the founder of Global Cougars Fly and a long-time student travel sponsor, I’ve had the privilege of safely taking students and families to destinations all over the world . These journeys are thoughtfully designed to be educational, exciting, and truly unforgettable.

 Spring Break 2027 – Egypt & the Nile
Stand before the Pyramids of Giza, see King Tut’s treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum, and sail the Nile River on a cruise to Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Aswan, and more.

 Summer 2027 – Innovation in Japan
Experience the incredible blend of cutting-edge technology and ancient culture -from robotics and Tokyo city life to bullet trains and views of Mount Fuji.

 Summer 2027 – The Alps & the Mediterranean
Travel through Switzerland, Italy, France, and Spain, with highlights including the Swiss Alps, Lake Como, colorful coastal villages, and vibrant Barcelona.

 Explore the flyers and visit the Global Cougars Fly website for full details and enrollment information.

 Questions?
Mariel Early
marel.early@austinisd.org

 Conference time: Monday–Friday, 2:30 PM
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat or learn more!

 The World Is Waiting. 

What: Austin High School Transfer Night Event, for choice sheets and general information

For: Parents and students

When: Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6 pm

Where: Austin High School library

Click here to sign up for the Austin High summer Basketball camp

Junior AUSMUN Summer Camp is an annual event put on by the Austin High School Model UN program. It is a four day immersive experience and preview of high school Model United Nations, designed for rising 7th through rising 9th grade students. Campers will gain critical research, writing, and public speaking skills, as well as global awareness and long-lasting friendships through participation in Junior AUSMUN Camp!

MiddleMUN Conference at Austin High School

Austin High School’s Model United Nations team is excited to host our annual MiddleMUN Conference for middle school students across the Austin area.

Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Check-in begins at 8:30 AM)
Location: Austin High School
Cost: $25 per student (lunch included)

MiddleMUN is a beginner-friendly conference designed to introduce students to Model UN in a supportive environment. Students will build skills in public speaking, leadership, and problem-solving while debating real-world global issues.

No prior Model UN experience is required, and all interested students are encouraged to participate.

Registration Deadline: April 13, 2026
Schools should submit delegate names by April 13 to receive topic assignments by April 15.

Students will be placed in one committee and will not rotate. Topics may include:

* Reproductive Rights
* Space Travel
* Monarchies (advanced, depending on registration numbers)

More information and registration details:
https://sites.google.com/view/middlemun-2025/registration?authuser=0 

XC Pup Camp @ Bowie HS track

This cross country camp is for 7th - 12 graders. 

Runs June 1st - July 30th.

7am - 8:45am each day

$150.00

Clint Small Middle School

Home of the Cougars and the Green Tech Academy!

Email: jennifer.newell@austinisd.org
Website: https://small.austinschools.org/
Location: 4801 Monterey Oaks Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-841-6700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057069836221